Editor's note: This article originally appeared in the January 2010 issue of New England Hockey Journal.
Tuukka Rask’s graduation to the NHL means that for the first time in three seasons, there is a new No. 1 Boston Bruins prospect at the top of the New England Hockey Journal’s prospect rankings.
The 2008 first-round pick, center Joe Colborne, is the team’s best bet for future success, and after having some tough luck with injuries in the early going of his sophomore campaign at the University of Denver, appears to be rounding into form in time for the second half.
“Joe had a really productive offseason coming in here and taking advantage of the experience of the development camp and staying on in Boston an extra week to work on his strength,” Bruins assistant GM Don Sweeney said. “He’s picked it up from there and has continued to move forward this season.”
Boston’s organizational strength is at center, and there aren’t a lot of NHL forward jobs to be had these days, even though Brad Marchand and Mikko Lehtonen did manage to see some time with the B’s when injuries took a toll over the first quarter. There is a lack of depth and marquee prospects at the defense and goaltending positions, however.
The good news for Bruins fans is that with five of the first 60 picks in the 2010 NHL draft (and four more in 2011) -- including the possibility of a lottery selection thanks to the Toronto trade involving Phil Kessel -- Chiarelli could effectively address multiple organizational needs in what is shaping up to be a deep draft in June.
In addition to Sweeney, Boston’s front office staff includes two former amateur scouting directors in assistant GM Jim Benning (Buffalo) and Director of Player Personnel Scott Bradley, both of whom possess a wealth of experience when it comes to the draft, and who work in concert with Boston’s head amateur scout, Wayne Smith, and his team of talent evaluators. Chiarelli has surrounded himself with the kind of skilled and knowledgeable people who could significantly strengthen the team’s already deep pool of prospect in the next two years.
“The lifeline of our organization going forward will be drafting and the continued development of our young players,” said Sweeney.
Kirk Luedeke can be reached at feedback@hockeyjournal.com.
NEHJ's top 10
1. Joe Colborne, C
Born: Jan. 30, 1990 in Calgary, Alberta
Size: 6-foot-5, 205 pounds
Acquired: Boston’s 1st choice, 16th overall in 2008 NHL Entry Draft
Contract: Unsigned
2009-10 stats: University of Denver (WCHA): 6 goals, 8 assists, 14 points, 14 PIM
Strengths: Colborne is huge, skilled and, when he’s on top of his game, controls the tempo and offensive flow every time his skates touch the ice. Blessed with superior playmaking ability, a heavy shot and excellent hockey sense, he’s showing more of a flair for finishing off the play this year, having scored several clutch goals in the early going.
Weaknesses: Even scouts who recognize his outstanding upside still want to see him initiate contact more and be a more consistent presence in the “dirty areas” of the ice and in front of the net from game to game.
Projection: First-line center and leader. The physical tools are there to be a very good NHL player, but there is still room for improvement. “Joe’s working on his consistency to be the kind of complete, well-rounded player we know he can be from week to week. We don’t see any single weakness in his game, but it’s more a matter of him gaining the maturity and experience to take advantage of his size and the many skills he has.”
-- Bruins assistant GM Don Sweeney
2. Jordan Caron, RW
Born: Nov. 2, 1990 in Sayabec, Quebec
Size: 6-foot-2, 205 pounds
Acquired: Boston’s 1st choice, 25th overall in 2009 NHL Entry Draft
Contract: Unsigned
2009-10 stats: Rimouski Oceanic (QMJHL): 8 goals, 11 assists, 19 points, 8 PIM
Strengths: A natural at scoring from the off wing. Caron possesses a hard, accurate shot with a wicked release, the vision to make plays and a willingness to use his size along the boards and in front of the net. A solid citizen who’s highly coachable, Caron beat out several highly-touted NHL prospects -- including Montreal first-rounder Louis Leblanc of Harvard -- to earn a spot on Canada’s World Junior team.
Weaknesses: A decent straight-line skater, he needs to improve his first-step burst and lateral agility to maximize his potential. Injuries are still a concern; he suffered a broken collarbone at Canada’s WJC evaluation camp in August, forcing him to miss all of Boston’s training camp and the first month of the junior season. He was traded to the Rouyn-Noranda Huskies in December and will help with that team’s playoff push in the spring.
Projection: A second-line power winger and power-play specialist. He has all the tools to be a star, but needs to improve his physical game more. “Jordan is a fledging power forward; he has a little more mature game in terms of his work below the circles, taking the puck hard to the net and the fact that he has a really good release on his shot. We’re excited about where he’s at right now given the rough start he had with the collarbone fracture.”
-- Sweeney
3. Brad Marchand, LW
Born: May 11, 1988 in Halifax, Nova Scotia
Size: 5-foot-9, 190 pounds
Acquired: Boston’s 4th choice, 73rd overall in 2006 NHL Entry Draft
Contract: Signed through 2011
2009-10 stats: Providence Bruins (AHL): 8 goals, 7 assists, 15 points, 14 PIM
Strengths: Speed, intensity and the ability to elevate his play when the games matter most are what have put Marchand into the top three. An underrated shooter who is aggressive on the forecheck, he has a knack for being in the right place to make plays. Gritty and abrasive, he loves to yap and get under opposing players’ skin, but doesn’t hurt his team with a lot of bad penalties.
Weaknesses: He’s not big, so his style puts him at risk for injuries. Although effective, he doesn’t possess the kind of dynamic, game-breaking skill to be a top-line forward. He suffered a freak tendon injury on the top of his foot that required surgery when an opponent’s skate blade sliced through the top of his boot during a December game.
Projection: A third-line agitator and clutch scoring presence. “The best way for me to describe (Marchand) is that he’s tenacious, relentless on the puck and he won’t be denied. I don’t know if it’s a learned skill or not, but he has winning in his blood and brings that kind of approach with him every single shift.”
– Providence Bruins coach Rob Murray
4. Zach Hamill, C/LW
Born: Sept. 23, 1988 in Vancouver, B.C.
Size: 5-foot-11, 190 pounds
Acquired: Boston’s 1st choice, 8th overall in 2007 NHL Entry Draft
Contract: Signed through 2011
2009-10 stats: Providence Bruins (AHL): 3 goals, 11 assists, 14 points, 8 PIM
Strengths: Hockey sense, on-ice vision and soft hands are Hamill’s best attributes. He made a terrific impression on the team and fans at Boston’s training camp and rookie tournament, and has earned his coaching staff’s praise for his hard work and dedication.
Weaknesses: A slight frame and lack of elite speed for an undersized player have been his biggest obstacles to making an impact at the NHL level thus far. It hasn’t been for a lack of effort, however, and the B’s might be willing to show more patience with him.
Projection: A No. 2 or 3 center and special teams contributor. “Zach needs to get stronger and quicker, and to his credit he understands that. That comes with development and is not going to happen for him overnight, but I think that Boston probably realizes he’s on a little longer timeline.”
– Murray
5. Max Sauve, C
Born: Jan. 30, 1990 in Tours, France
Size: 6-foot-2, 192 pounds
Acquired: Boston’s 2nd choice, 47th overall in 2008 NHL Entry Draft
Contract: Signed through 2013
2009-10 stats: Val-d’Or Foreurs (QMJHL): 12 goals, 21 assists, 33 points, 22 PIM
Strengths: Sauve’s blazing speed and quick stick are what will get him to the NHL one day, but his underrated hockey sense is what may keep him there. The son of former NHL player J.F. Sauve understands the demands of being a pro and, after leading a poor team in scoring two years in a row, will be ready to jump to Providence in the spring after signing an entry-level contract with Boston last month.
Weaknesses: He’s got nice height, but must keep filling out and improving his upper-body strength. It will likely take some time for Sauve to find his scoring touch in the pros, but with his speed and intelligence, he will be able to play any role. A broken ankle in late November will sideline him until mid-January.
Projection: A second-line scoring forward and penalty killer. “Max has had the benefit of a couple of development camps and he has a clearer picture of what he needs to do to be effective at the highest level. He obviously has the skating speed, hands and shot, but he’s gained an appreciation for the things that will make him a complete player.”
-- Sweeney
6. Yuri Alexandrov, D
Born: June 24, 1988 in Cherepovets, U.S.S.R.
Size: 6-feet, 185 pounds
Acquired: Boston’s 2nd choice, 37th overall in 2006 NHL Entry Draft
Contract: Unsigned
2009-10 stats: Cherepovets Severstal (KHL): 3 goals, 9 assists, 12 points, 24 PIM
Strengths: A veteran of the Russian elite pro leagues, this two-way defender has good mobility, vision and the ability to make a strong first pass. Having played against men since 17, he could make an immediate jump to the NHL if he signs and proves himself to the Boston coaching staff. Has put up solid numbers for a defenseman playing in the Russian system in each of the last three years
Weaknesses: An extremely slight frame and lack of strength could stand in the way of Alexandrov making that projected move to the NHL right away. Some scouts have questioned his shot’s power, but there isn’t a lot to criticize about his overall game, even if he doesn’t project as a top-pairing defender at present.
Projection: A No. 3 or 4 defender and special teamer. “Yuri is a good two-way player who keeps it simple. He has a real good stick in the ‘D’-zone and also has some aggressiveness and will initiate contact. He was a pretty gangly, skinny kid when we drafted him, but he’s got a little more size on him now and is coming into his own physically.”
-- Sweeney
7. Jamie Arniel, C
Born: Nov. 16, 1989 in Kingston, Ontario
Size: 5-foot-11, 185 pounds
Acquired: Boston’s 4th choice, 97th overall in 2008 NHL Entry Draft
Contract: Signed through 2012
2009-10 stats: Providence Bruins (AHL): 7 goals, 8 assists, 15 points, 8 PIM
Strengths: A fast skater who has demonstrated scoring prowess at the junior level, Arniel is a capable player in all three zones. He’s a smart, instinctive player whose uncle, Scott Arniel, played in the NHL and briefly for the Bruins in 1991-92. The younger Arniel won Reebok/AHL Rookie of the Month honors in November.
Weaknesses: A jack of all trades, master of none kind of player; there are no flaws in Arniel’s game, but he doesn’t have top-flight skills that translate into a top scoring forward in the NHL. He needs to get a little stronger to play at the highest level.
Projection: A third- or fourth-line defensive forward who can play top-line minutes in a pinch and contribute on special teams. “Jamie is pretty multidimensional in terms of where he can play and the kinds of things he’s able to do. I don’t know that he’ll be that No. 1 center in the NHL, but he’ll be the kind of dependable guy that the coach feels comfortable putting out there to play a lot of different roles for the team.”
-- Murray
8. Ryan Button, D
Born: March 26, 1991 in Edmonton, Alberta
Size: 6-foot-1, 190 pounds
Acquired: Boston’s 2nd choice, 86th overall in 2009 NHL Entry Draft
Contract: Unsigned
2009-10 stats: Prince Albert Raiders (WHL): 1 goal, 20 assists, 21 points, 23 PIM
Strengths: An outstanding skater who sees the ice well and makes a crisp first pass. Although not a heavyweight, Button will drop the gloves to defend teammates and is a leader and future captain on that Raiders team. He’s a longer-term project for Boston, but the fact that he plays nearly 30 minutes a night and in all situations bodes well for his NHL aspirations.
Weaknesses: Like many young defense prospects, he needs to add bulk and strength to his lean frame. As well-rounded a player as he is, Button’s skills don’t translate as a top defender at the highest level, although he’ll put in all of the work to get the most out of his ability.
Projection: A fourth or fifth defenseman with No. 3 potential and power-play duty. “Ryan is off to a fairly good start this year. He’s not putting up the goals he’d like to, but he’s a fluid skater whose defensive game is continuing to evolve, and like most young players, he’s working on his overall consistency and making the right decisions under pressure.”
-- Sweeney
9. Mikko Lehtonen, RW
Born: April 1, 1987 in Espoo, Finland
Size: 6-foot-3, 196 pounds
Acquired: Boston’s 3rd choice, 83rd overall in 2005 NHL Entry Draft
Contract: Signed through 2010
2009-10 stats: Providence Bruins (AHL): 10 goals, 15 assists, 25 points, 31 PIM
Strengths: A natural scorer who led all AHL rookies (and Providence) in goals last season with 28 in his first North American campaign, he is leading the team in scoring this time around. He has the size, skating, shot and instincts to set up or finish the play every time he’s on the ice.
Weaknesses: After struggling to produce and play responsibly in all zones in the AHL playoffs, Lehtonen must improve his compete level and overall game if he is going to be an impact NHL player. To his credit, he has bounced back well and could see more time in Boston this year if injuries create an opportunity for him up front.
Projection: A third-line winger and power-play specialist with second-line potential. “Guys that have the size, skating ability and hands that Mikko does are pretty rare. Last year, some of the knocks on him were maybe that he didn’t go to the dirty areas of the ice or take the puck to the net enough, but that’s something he’s done better this year.”
-- Murray
10. Adam McQuaid, D
Born: Oct. 12, 1986 in Charlottetown, P.E.I.
Size: 6-foot-3, 210 pounds
Acquired: Trade with Columbus in May, 2007
Contract: Signed through 2010
2009-10 stats: Providence Bruins (AHL): 3 goals, 7 assists, 10 points, 66 PIM
Strengths: “Quaider” is a strong, physical, stay-at-home defenseman with size and snarl that the B’s could use to stabilize the lower pairing someday. A tireless worker and leader who has made marked improvements in all facets of his game since turning pro, he has contributed offensively this season, and earned a call-up to Boston on Dec. 15.
Weaknesses: He lacks quickness and agility; he can be beaten with outside speed because he lacks fluidity in his pivots and turns. However, it bears noting that he has put in a tremendous amount of work to improve his skating, and it appears to be paying off for him as evidenced by his visible progress each season.
Projection: A fifth/sixth/seventh shutdown defenseman and character player/leader. “Year after year Adam has improved (since turning pro) and there hasn’t been a drop-off. This year, he’s brought it up a level and is contributing offensively and is a plus-14. For him to post that kind of a stat after being out there every night against the other teams’ top lines speaks volumes for how far he’s come as an NHL prospect.”
-- Murray
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